Firstly, I should explain what a career in IT is, and what it is not. Computers are used in many jobs, and just using a computer to work out accounts or to do word processing is not what a career in IT means. Here are seven examples of what a career in IT might involve, and the principal subjects that would help (apart from IT Studies which would help in all of them):

• Designing computer systems (Maths, English)
• Designing computer parts (Physics, Technology)
• Writing Computer games (Maths, Design)
• Programming computers for business (Maths, English, Business Studies)
• Designing Web pages (English, Design, Maths)
• Wiring a network (Technology, Science)
• Working on a Help Desk (English, Maths)

These jobs are roughly in order of difficulty, with the hardest (and highest paid) first. To design computer systems you probably need a good honours degree in Maths or Computer Studies, plus several years experience. On the other hand, to work on a help desk you may need only GCSEs in Maths and English.

If you want to use computers to design cars, you need to train as a mechanical engineer; to use them to design fabrics you need to be a fashion designer, and so on. Just using a computer to help with another job is not a career in IT unless maintaining the computer is a large part of your responsibility.

Many people know that they want to try for a certain academic level, but are unsure what subjects to take.

Computers themselves are a collection of hardware and software, and the directly related school subjects (apart from Computer Studies) are mainly Science (Physics or Electronics) or Technology for the hardware and Maths for the software. Although there are more jobs in computer software than in hardware (certainly in the UK), being trained in electronics can also lead to other types of job in telecommunications or media.

However, many other subjects are useful in IT, such as English (for writing ability) and Business Studies (for economics and marketing).

Foreign languages are always useful, although it is very difficult to choose which one. Some people recommend Latin because it is very logical and a bit like programming; but I think you might as well try a living language. French, German, or Spanish are all useful, but business people in these countries are likely to speak English anyway. If you want a challenge, then one with a different alphabet, like Russian is quite difficult, and one with a different written form like Chinese is very difficult (and unlikely to be taught in school!). Nevertheless, the Far East is a very important area for computers, so knowing a language such as Mandarin Chinese would be very useful indeed, and might be worth considering later. Apart from the Far East, most computer development is in Europe and North America; with an increasing amount in India. Studying these countries in Geography would be a help, and visiting some of them, if at all possible, would give a much clearer picture.

Art and design can also come in useful in Web Page design in particular, and music and philosophy demonstrate logical thinking; but these needs to be in conjunction with Maths or a more scientific subject; particularly those mentioned above. Psychology is also useful for the design of computer interfaces.

It is not strictly necessary to do any subject directly associated with IT at GCSE or A level, and yet still go on to study IT at University. Hence it is a good idea to choose subjects that are going to give you high grades, rather than ones that you think you ought to take. However, having said that, if you are hopeless at Maths or anything to do with technology, then you may struggle when it comes to learning IT.

At the other extreme, if you are finding Computer studies so easy that you are bored with it, then trying something different for a while might be a good idea while you wait for the others to catch up.

Probably the best advice is to drop your weak subjects if you can, but persevere with English and Maths as long as possible. At A level, keep going with Maths if you can, plus Science (Physics) and maybe Business Studies or a foreign language. However, as I said before, do the subjects you like, so that you can get the best grades.

Most people do not know what they are going to do when they are in Year 9. This does not matter provided they do not make choices that would need some "catching up" in the future. For example, most colleges require GCSE English, so if you failed that and then wanted to go to college, you would have to retake it.

Despite the costs involved and the reported lack of jobs for graduates, getting a good degree is still the best way towards getting a good job. There are plenty of exceptions to this, but they are not an easy way out, and often require extra studies in your own time in the evenings.

If you have some idea what you want to be, let's say either a doctor or a computer programmer, then take the subjects that are needed for each of them; such as Biology, Chemistry, Maths, and possibly Physics.

Some people know that they are interested in computers, but do not wish to continue down the traditional sixth-form route. As I have already said, if you want to end up as a top system designer, it is much easier to follow the degree route via a sixth form if you can, but if not, there are opportunities to work and perhaps study in the evenings or on day release. Many computer companies employ staff for clerical work, and this can lead to other opportunities. Similarly, computer installers need people to help with cabling and wiring, and this can be an interesting job which can lead to business opportunities.

Having defined what IT is, and assuming that you are still interested, you need to look at what aspects interest you, and what you think you will be good at. Are you a practical person? Can you concentrate on problems easily? Do you have a logical mind, and are you the sort of person with lots of friends?

As in many professions, there are many types of job within the IT industry. Here are a few examples of some "job adverts":

• Programmer or circuit designer: needs a logical mind and good attention to detail
• System programmer: needs technical skills, a good analytic ability, and be good at communicating
• Games programmer: needs a logical mind and a vivid imagination
• Department manager: needs to be good with people and a have good business knowledge
• Web designer: needs a good understanding of customer needs and creative design skills. Working from home may be possible.
• Network technician: needs to be practical, and willing to travel
• Help desk assistant: needs a good memory, an analytic mind, and good communication skills. Shift work possible.
• Sales representative: needs a quick mind, confidence, good communication skills, and be willing to travel

Note that in practice, many of these "adverts" would also need experience in the job as well.

Of course there are also opportunities for people with initiative to start their own businesses; many everyday names in computers started this way.

If you are keen on IT, then it is a great help to have a computer at home. Having a computer of your own helps you build foundations for future learning at all sorts of levels.

Second hand computers can cost less than a hundred pounds, and are just as good for learning about computers as expensive new ones. Even second hand laptop computers can be bought for a few hundred pounds. If you are into taking the computer apart to learn about hardware, you would be much better off experimenting with an old or scrap one than a new one, but do remember to follow safety advice!

Having an Internet connection is almost essential, and broadband makes a big difference. There is a lot of bad publicity about the Internet, but you should view it as a microcosm of the whole world that is bound to have a few no-go areas in it. Most of it is an invaluable resource.

Depending on your employer, or even if you are in your own business, some or all of the following benefits may be available:

• High earnings, up to at least £50K per annum for top managers and professionals
• Travel prospects to see customers and suppliers
• Interesting work that provides a variety of different opportunities
• The chance to work from home for certain jobs.
• Flexible working hours to suit working parents (for example)

So there we have it; an established profession with good prospects easily within the reach of those who choose IT.